Articles and methods for administering CO2 into plants

ABSTRACT

Methods and articles are provided for reducing the amount of water consumed by a plant over a period of time, sequestering CO 2 , and producing electricity, where each method includes providing the plant with a composition including at least about 0.1 (wt./wt. or vol./vol.) % CO 2  and/or at least about 0.1 wt./wt. % of a composition that generates CO 2 . An apparatus is also disclosed for providing the plant with a composition including CO 2  and/or a composition that generates CO 2 .

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. Nos.13/729,095 and 13/729,089, both entitled “Articles and Methods forAdministering CO₂ Into Plants,” filed on Dec. 28, 2012, and bothincorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

The present technology relates generally to the administration of carbondioxide into plants such as trees.

Demand for staple commodities such as fresh water and energy has grownwith the increasing human population and as the supply of inexpensivewater and energy has declined. It has been postulated that the increaseddemand has impacted the environment, for example, by increasing theconcentration of atmospheric CO₂ upon the consumption of fossil fuels.

Regarding fresh water supplies, there is a significant interest inconserving the amount of water that is consumed by plants. For example,a large fully grown tree may evaporate, or “transpire,” several hundredgallons of water through its leaves on a hot, dry day. At least ninetypercent of the water that enters a plant's roots is used in this processof transpiration. Thus, methods for decreasing the rate of transpirationof plants, such as trees, would serve to conserve fresh water supplies,especially usefully in arid regions where such supplies are scarce.

Regarding energy supplies, there exists a growing need to identifyrenewable sources of affordable energy from plants. Most of the existingrenewable sources of energy are crop-based that require harvesting orkilling the entire plant to convert some of the plant's vegetationproduct into fuel. Methods for obtaining energy from plants, withoutharvesting and thus destroying the entire plant, would provide asuperior source of renewable energy.

As noted, a consequence of the human population growth is postulated toinclude an increase in the concentration of atmospheric CO₂ from theconsumption of increased quantities of carbon-based energy. Effectivemethods for CO₂ sequestration would be useful to stabilize or deceleratesuch increasing levels of atmospheric CO₂.

SUMMARY

The present technology relates generally to articles and methods forproviding a plant with a composition including at least about 0.1(wt./wt. or vol./vol.) % CO₂ and/or at least about 0.1 wt./wt. % of acomposition that generates CO₂. The present technology further providesmethods for reducing the amount of water consumed by a plant over aperiod of time, methods for sequestering CO₂, and methods for producingheat or electricity, where each method includes providing the plant witha composition including CO₂ and/or a composition that generates CO₂.

According to one aspect, a method is provided for reducing the amount ofwater removed from soil by a plant over an interval of time, includingproviding the plant with a composition that is at least one of acomposition comprising at least about 0.1 (wt./wt. or vol./vol.) % CO₂,or at least about 0.1 wt./wt. % of a composition that generates CO₂.

According to another aspect, an article is provided where the articleincludes a plant, and a composition that comprises at least about 0.1(wt./wt. or vol./vol.) % CO₂ or at least about 0.1 wt./wt. % of acomposition that generates CO₂.

According to yet another aspect, an apparatus is provided for providinga composition that comprises CO₂ or a composition that generates CO₂into a plant, where the apparatus includes the following components: atleast one infusion pump for delivering the composition that comprisesCO₂ or the composition that generates CO₂ into the plant; at least onesensor; at least one control unit comprising a microprocessor; at leastone user interface, operatively connected to the control unit; and atleast one data output interface operatively connected to one or more ofthe other components.

According to an additional aspect, a method is provided for sequesteringCO₂ comprising providing a plant with a composition that is at least oneof a composition comprising at least about 0.1 (wt./wt. or vol./vol.) %CO₂ or at least about 0.1 wt./wt. % of a composition that generates CO₂;removing carbon-based photosynthate from the plant; and storing orprocessing the carbon-based photosynthate.

In another aspect, the present technology provides a method forproducing electricity comprising: providing a composition, that is atleast one of a composition comprising at least about 0.1 (wt./wt. orvol./vol.) % CO₂ or at least about 0.1 wt./wt. % of a composition thatgenerates CO₂, into a plant; removing a carbon-based photosynthate fromthe plant; processing at least a fraction of the carbon-basedphotosynthate to produce energy and a product stream; and converting atleast some of the energy into electricity.

In some embodiments, the composition that generates CO₂ includes thereaction product of an amine, or a salt thereof, with CO₂. In otherembodiments, the composition that generates CO₂ includes a CO₂-precursorcompound, or salt thereof, selected from citric acid, cis-aconitic acid,isocitric acid, oxalosuccinic acid, α-ketoglutaric acid, succinic acid,fumaric acid, malic acid, oxaloacetic acid, and a combination thereof.

The foregoing is a summary and thus by necessity containssimplifications, generalizations and omissions of detail. Consequently,those skilled in the art will appreciate that the summary isillustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Otheraspects, inventive features, and advantages of the devices and/orprocesses described herein, as defined solely by the claims, will becomeapparent in the detailed description set forth herein and taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The skilled artisan will understand that the drawings primarily are forillustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of theinventive subject matter described herein.

FIG. 1A illustrates an article for sequestering CO₂, including anapparatus for providing a plant with a gaseous composition including CO₂and/or a composition that generates CO₂, in accordance with oneembodiment.

FIG. 1B illustrates an article for sequestering CO₂, including anapparatus for providing a plant with a fluid composition including CO₂and/or a composition that generates CO₂, in accordance with oneembodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates regions within a tree into which a fluid compositionincluding CO₂ and/or a composition that generates CO₂, can be provided,and from which a composition including carbon-based photosynthates canbe extracted, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a fuel cell, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a container for storing a composition includingcarbon-based photosynthates, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a method for reducing the amount of water drawn fromthe soil by a plant over a period of time, in accordance with oneembodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates a method for sequestering CO₂, in accordance with oneembodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates a method for producing electricity, in accordancewith one embodiment.

FIG. 8A illustrates an apparatus for providing a composition thatcomprises CO₂ or a composition that generates CO₂ into a plant, inaccordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 8B illustrates interior channels, into which a fluid compositionincluding CO₂ and/or a composition that generates CO₂ can be provided toa tree, in accordance with one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings,similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless contextdictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in thedetailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting.Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made,without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matterpresented here.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1B, in accordance with two embodiments, articlesare shown for sequestering CO₂, including an apparatus (shown as apressurized gas cylinder in 6 in FIG. 1A or a container 12 in FIG. 1B)for providing a plant with a composition including CO₂ and/or acomposition that generates CO₂, and an apparatus 10 for extracting orstoring a carbon-based photosynthate. In FIG. 1A, a gaseous compositionincluding CO₂ and/or a composition that generates CO₂, is provided froma gas container 6. In FIG. 1B, a fluid composition including CO₂ and/ora composition that generates CO₂, is provided from container 12 havingpump 8. A process controller such as a computer can be used to monitorthe plants (e.g., temperature, water consumption, etc.) and control theproviding and removing steps (e.g., the sourcing and sinking of CO₂).

Referring to FIG. 2, in accordance with one embodiment, an illustrationis provided of regions, such as xylem region 16 of tree 15, into which afluid composition including CO₂ and/or a composition that generates CO₂can be provided by an apparatus 2. Also shown are regions, such asphloem 14, from which a composition including carbon-basedphotosynthates can be extracted by removal apparatus 4.

Referring to FIG. 3, a fuel cell is shown according to one embodimentincluding articles for sequestering CO₂, including an apparatus shown asa container 12 having pump 8 for providing a plant with a compositionincluding CO₂ and/or a composition that generates CO₂ and an apparatus10 for removing or storing a composition including carbon-basedphotosynthates. In FIG. 3, the composition including carbon-basedphotosynthates can be transported via a conduit 20 (e.g., flow line,pipe, tube, hose, etc.) into a tank 18 of generator 32. Electricity fromgenerator 32 is transmitted to another device or system via an output27. Exhaust from generator 32 can be conducted via an exhaust line 26 toan apparatus 24 for purifying CO₂. Substantially pure CO₂ can betransported via a conduit 30 (e.g., flow line, pipe, tube, hose, etc.)into a CO₂ cylinder 6 and the remaining impurities from the exhaust canbe vented via an output 28. The CO₂ in tank 6 can be transported tocontainer 12 having pump 8 for providing CO₂ into the plant. A processcontroller such as a computer can be used to monitor the plants (e.g.,temperature, water consumption, etc.) and control the providing andremoval steps.

Referring to FIG. 4, in accordance with one embodiment, an apparatus 10is shown for extracting or storing a composition including carbon-basedphotosynthates. Frame 11 provides structural support and a mechanism forlifting and transporting apparatus 10, which can be made of materials,for example, such as stainless steel, aluminum, and flexible (e.g.,collapsible) or inflexible plastic, ceramic or glass.

Referring generally to FIGS. 5-7, various methods are shown forproviding a plant with a composition including CO₂ and/or a compositionthat generates CO₂ according to several embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 5, a flowchart depicts process 50 for determining theconcentration of the composition including CO₂ and/or a composition thatgenerates CO₂, and that is provided to a plant, according to oneembodiment. The amount of water removed from soil by a plant is measured(step 52). The plant is then provided with a composition including CO₂and/or a composition that generates CO₂ (step 54). The amount of waterfrom the soil that is extracted by the plant is re-measured (step 55)and compared to the initial water extraction (step 56). If there-measurement establishes that the amount of water from the soil thatis extracted by the plant has decreased, the provided concentration ofthe composition including CO₂ and/or a composition that generates CO₂ ismaintained (step 57). If the re-measurement establishes that the amountof water from the soil that is extracted by the plant has increased ornot decreased, the concentration of the composition including CO₂ and/ora composition that generates CO₂ may be increased (step 58). In anembodiment, measurements on water use from a first plant can be used inorder to control the amount of a composition including CO₂ and/or acomposition that generates CO₂ which is provided to a second similarplant. For instance, correlations between water usage and CO₂-relatedcompositions can be determined from a set of monitored plants, and thesecorrelations can be then used to determine the amount of CO2-relatedcompositions provided to other plants of the same species.

Referring to FIG. 6, a flowchart depicts process 60 for sequestering CO₂according to one embodiment. The plant is provided with a compositionincluding CO₂ and/or a composition that generates CO₂ (step 62), and acomposition including carbon-based photosynthates is extracted from theplant (step 64). The plant may optionally be provided again with acomposition including CO₂ and/or a composition that generates CO₂ (step62). The removed composition including carbon-based photosynthates isstored (step 66) and the composition including carbon-basedphotosynthates is accumulated (step 68).

Referring to FIG. 7, a flowchart depicts process 70 for producingelectricity according to one embodiment. A composition including CO₂and/or a composition that generates CO₂ is provided to the plant (step71), a composition including carbon-based photosynthates is removed fromthe plant (step 72), the composition including carbon-basedphotosynthates is processed to release energy and exhaust (step 73), andat least some of the energy is converted into electricity (step 74). Theexhaust may optionally be captured (step 75) or allowed to vent (step76). If the exhaust is captured, the CO₂ is purified from the exhaust(step 77). The purified CO₂ may be added to a composition including CO₂and/or a composition that generates CO₂ may be stored (step 79).

Referring to FIG. 8A, in accordance with one embodiment, an apparatus isshown for providing into a plant a composition that comprises CO₂ or acomposition that generates CO₂. Container 12 provides into the plant acomposition including CO₂ and/or a composition that generates CO₂, andcontainer 10 stores a carbon-based photosynthate that is extracted fromthe plant. Pumps 35 are optionally installed within the plant and/or inthe proximity of the plant and/or in the proximity of containers 10 and12 to provide a composition including CO₂ and/or a composition thatgenerates CO₂, and to extract the carbon-based photosynthate from theplant. Sensors 36 are optionally installed within the plant and/or inthe proximity of the plant. In one embodiment, containers 10 and 12,pumps 35, and sensors 36 exchange data with the control unit in awireless fashion.

Referring to FIG. 8B, in accordance with one embodiment, an illustrationis provided of interior channels 38, into which a fluid compositionincluding CO₂ and/or a composition that generates CO₂ can be provided toa tree via aperture 37. Aperture 37 enters the tree in a roughlyhorizontal direction, towards the dead woody interior of the tree.Interior channels 38 are formed in a roughly vertical direction, up aportion of the length of the tree. In some embodiments, interiorchannels of e.g., 1-2 mm wide may resemble, in shape, the inner sheathof coaxial cable (e.g., having a cylinder-like geometry).

The technology is described herein using several definitions, as setforth throughout the specification.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in thecontext of describing the elements (especially in the context of thefollowing claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and theplural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted bycontext.

As used herein, “about” will be understood by persons of ordinary skillin the art and will vary to some extent depending upon the context inwhich it is used. If there are uses of the term which are not clear topersons of ordinary skill in the art, given the context in which it isused, “about” will mean up to plus or minus 10% of the particular term.

As used herein, the term “plant” refers to any green plant havingchloroplasts for photosynthetic reactions. In some embodiments, theplant is a tree. In some embodiments, the plant yields a fruit,vegetable, or nut. In some embodiments, the plant is a vine, or afruit-bearing vive, such as a grape vine. In some embodiments, the plantis a woody plant. “Woody plant,” as used herein, refers to plants havingstiff stems with a protective outer coating (bark). Examples of woodyplants that can be treated by the methods and apparatus of the inventioninclude, but are not limited to, trees, palms, and shrubs. As usedherein, the term “tree” refers to any species of tree, for example,including hardwoods (angiosperms) and softwoods (conifers).

Exemplary non-limiting hardwoods include alder, ash, aspen, balsa,beech, birch, cherry, chestnut, cottonwood, dogwood, elm, eucalyptus,gum, hickory, mahogany, maple, oak, poplar, walnut, and willow.Exemplary non-limiting softwoods include cedar, cypress, fir (e.g.,Douglas-fir), yew, hemlock, pine, and spruce.

In the case of woody plants that possess a ringlike cambium layer, e.g.,woody dicotyledonous plants (e.g., hardwoods) and woody gymnosperms(e.g., conifers), the composition including CO₂ and/or a compositionthat generates CO₂ can be provided into the cambium layer. In someembodiments, the composition including CO₂ and/or a composition thatgenerates CO₂ can be provided the into the interior of the tree past thecambium layer. In one embodiment, the operator selects points on thetrunk (stem) of the plant to be provided. In the case of plants with athick protective outer later (bark), the points into which injectionsare to be made may correspond to fissures (cracks) in the bark, in whichexpansion zone tissue can be seen. “Expansion zone tissue” refers to alayer of tissue beneath the bark, where the plant is actively expandingin girth. Such expansion produces the fissures in the bark. Insmooth-barked trees (e.g., beech), injections can be made into lenticels(pores), or through the bark at any point. In the case of woody plantsthat do not possess a ringlike cambium layer around the stem, e.g.,monocotyledonous plants, e.g., palm trees, the composition including CO₂and/or a composition that generates CO₂ is provided into the interior ofthe stem at any depth.

As used herein, the term “transpiration” refers to a process similar toevaporation. It is a part of the water cycle, and it is the loss ofwater vapor from parts of plants (similar to sweating), especially inleaves but also in stems, flowers and roots. Leaf surfaces are dottedwith openings which are collectively called stomata, and in most plantsthey are more numerous on the undersides of the foliage. The stomata arebordered by guard cells that open and close the pore. Leaf transpirationoccurs through stomata, and can be thought of as a necessary “cost”associated with the opening of the stomata to allow the diffusion ofcarbon dioxide gas from the air for photosynthesis.

Plants regulate, in part, the rate of transpiration by the degree ofstomatal opening. The rate of transpiration is also influenced by theevaporative demand of the atmosphere surrounding the leaf such ashumidity, temperature, wind and incident sunlight. Soil water supply andsoil temperature can influence stomatal opening, and thus transpirationrate. The amount of water lost by a plant also depends on its size andthe amount of water absorbed at the roots. Stomatic transpirationaccounts for most of the water loss by a plant, but some directevaporation also takes place through the cuticle of the leaves and youngstems. Transpiration also cools plants, changes cell's osmotic pressure,and enables mass flow of mineral nutrients and water from roots toshoots. Increases in the following factors may also increase the rate oftranspiration: the number of leaves, the number of stomata, lightsupply, temperature, and water supply. Decreases in the relativehumidity will increase the rate of transpiration.

Transpiration rates of plants can be measured according to methods knownto those of skill in the art, including the methods described in U.S.Patent Publication No.: 20110270531; “Measurement of Transpiration andLeaf Conductance” Pearcy R W, Schulze E D and Zimmermann R in PlantPhysiological Ecology: Field Methods and Instrumentation 1989, Eds. R WPearcy, J Ehleringer, H A Mooney, and P W Rundel, Ch 8, pp 137-160,Chapman and Hall, London; and Groom P, Elementary Botany, 1900, G Bell &Sons, London, page 211-214. The transpiration rates of plants can bemeasured with instruments such as potometers, lysimetes, porometers,photosynthesis systems and heat balance sap flow gauges. In someembodiments, measurements of transpiration loss can be used to controlthe amount of a composition including CO₂ and/or a composition thatgenerates CO₂ to be provided to a plant. The amount of water transpiredby the plant is re-measured and compared to an initial measurement ofwater transpiration. If the re-measurement establishes that the amountof water that is transpired by the plant has decreased, the providedconcentration of the composition including CO₂ and/or a composition thatgenerates CO₂ is maintained. If the re-measurement establishes that theamount of water that is transpired by the plant has increased or notdecreased, the concentration of the composition including CO₂ and/or acomposition that generates CO₂ may be increased. In an embodiment,measurements on water transpiration from a first plant can be used inorder to control the amount of a composition including CO₂ and/or acomposition that generates CO₂ which is provided to a second similarplant. For instance, correlations between water transpiration andCO₂-related compositions can be determined from a set of monitoredplants, and these correlations can be then used to determine the amountof CO₂-related compositions provided to other plants of the samespecies.

Mass flow of liquid water from the roots to the leaves, i.e., xylemflow, is driven in part by capillary action initiated by transpiration.In taller plants and trees however, the force of gravity can only beovercome by the decrease in hydrostatic (water) pressure in the upperparts of the plants due to the diffusion of water out of stomata intothe atmosphere. Water is absorbed at the roots by osmosis, and anydissolved mineral nutrients travel with it through the xylem.

As used herein, the term “stoma” (also stomate; plural stomata) refersto a pore, found in the leaf and stem epidermis that is used for gasexchange. The pore is bordered by a pair of specialized parenchyma cellsknown as guard cells that are responsible for regulating the size of theopening. The term “stoma” is also used collectively to refer to anentire stomatal complex, both the pore itself and its accompanying guardcells. Air containing carbon dioxide and oxygen enters the plant throughthese openings where it is absorbed, transported and then used inphotosynthesis and respiration, respectively. Oxygen produced byphotosynthesis in the spongy layer cells (parenchyma cells with pectin)of the leaf interior exits through these same openings. Also, watervapor is per force released into the atmosphere through these pores viatranspiration.

As used herein, the term “translocation” or phloem flow, refers to thetransport of soluble organic material made during photosynthesis to allparts of the plant. The soluble organic material may comprise one ormore carbohydrates from the leaves. In vascular plants, phloem is theliving tissue that carries organic nutrients (known as photosynthate),in particular, carbohydrates such as glucose, to all parts of the plantwhere needed. In trees, for example, the phloem is the innermost layerof the bark.

As used herein, the term “carbon-based photosynthate” refers to sugars,lipids, proteins, and primary or secondary metabolites that arephotosynthesized by the plant. “Sugars” and “one or more carbohydratesfrom a plant” refer to any sugar, such as glucose or a biosyntheticprecursor thereof, that is produced by the plant during photosynthesisor that or a polysaccharide derivative that is produced upon one or moresubsequent biotransformations of glucose. In the light-independent ordark reactions of photosynthesis the enzyme RuBisCO captures CO₂ and ina process that requires the newly formed NADPH, called the Calvin-BensonCycle, releases three-carbon sugars, which are later combined to formglucose and more complex carbohydrates. The overall equation for thelight-independent reactions in green plants is: 3 CO₂+9 ATP+6NADPH+6H⁺→C₃H₆O₃-phosphate+9 ADP+8 P_(i)+6 NADP⁺+3 H₂O, where ATP isadenosine-5′-triphosphate, ADP is adenosine diphosphate, P, is inorganicphosphate, NADPH and NADP are the reduced and oxidized forms ofnicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate.

The fixation or reduction of carbon dioxide is a process in which carbondioxide combines with a five-carbon sugar, ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate(RuBP), to yield two molecules of a three-carbon compound, glycerate3-phosphate (GP), also known as 3-phosphoglycerate (PGA). GP, in thepresence of ATP and NADPH from the light-dependent stages, is reduced toglyceraldehyde 3-phosphate (G3P). This product is also referred to as3-phosphoglyceraldehyde (PGAL) or even as triose phosphate. Triose is a3-carbon sugar. Most (5 of 6 molecules) of the G3P produced is used toregenerate RuBP so the process can continue. The remaining 1 of 6molecules of the triose phosphates is not “recycled” and often condensesto form hexose phosphates, which ultimately yield glucose and morecomplex carbohydrates, such as cellulose. The carbohydrates producedduring carbon metabolism yield carbon skeletons that can be used inother metabolic processes like the production of amino acids and lipids.

The quantity of the carbon-based photosynthate that is produced by aplant, according to the methods described herein, during a period oftime can and will vary. In some embodiments, the compositions describedherein are provided to the plant to increase the quantity of thecarbon-based photosynthate that is produced by a plant during a periodof time. In this regard, the quantity of the carbon-based photosynthatethat is produced by a plant will increase from about 5% to about 10%,from about 10% to about 15%, from about 15% to about 20%, from about 20%to about 30%, from about 30% to about 40%, from about 40% to about 50%,from about 50% to about 75%, from about 75% to about 100%, or a rangebetween and including any two of these values, during a period of timeof from about one day to about one week, from about one week to aboutone month, from about six months to about one year, from about one yearto about twenty years, or a range between and including any two of thesevalues. In some embodiments, carbon-based photosynthate includes carbonderived from the composition including CO₂ and/or a composition thatgenerates CO₂. In some embodiments, the plant is grown on a farm,orchard, or in a forest. In some embodiments, the plant is a tree.

In some embodiments, the quantity of carbon-based photosynthate that isproduced by a plant, according to the methods described herein, ismonitored by taking a first measurement of the quantity of thephotosynthate that is produced by a plant during a period of time beforeproviding any of the compositions described herein; and taking a secondmeasurement of the quantity of the photosynthate that is produced by aplant during the period of time after providing any of the compositionsdescribed herein, where the second measurement is increased relative tothe first measurement. In this regard, the second measurement mayincrease relative to the first measurement by about 5% to about 10%,from about 10% to about 15%, from about 15% to about 20%, from about 20%to about 30%, from about 30% to about 40%, from about 40% to about 50%,from about 50% to about 75%, from about 75% to about 100%, or a rangebetween and including any two of these values, during a period of timeof from about one day to about one week, from about one week to aboutone month, from about six months to about one year, from about one yearto about five years, or a range between and including any two of thesevalues. In some embodiments, the period of time is at least one week andthe second measurement is reduced by at least 25% relative to the firstmeasurement. In some embodiments, the period of time is at least onemonth and the second measurement is reduced by at least 25% relative tothe first measurement. In some embodiments, the plant is grown on afarm, orchard, or in a forest. In some embodiments, the plant is a tree.The amount of photosynthate produced, or its change from a baselineamount, can be correlated with the amount of CO₂-related compositionprovided to the plant. In some embodiments, correlations establishedfrom one plant or set of plants can be used to predict behavior in othersimilar plants.

Compositions

Each embodiment of the compositions described herein can be used withany method, article or apparatus described herein. As used herein, theterms “a composition comprising CO₂” and “a composition including CO₂”refer to a composition including CO₂ gas, dissolved CO₂, or a dissolvedmixture of CO₂, H₂CO₃ (carbonic acid), HCO₃ ⁻ (bicarbonate), CO₃ ²⁻(carbonate), or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, thecomposition including CO₂ is a fluid, gel, or suspension. In someembodiments, the composition including CO₂ is an aqueous fluid, anaqueous gel, or an aqueous suspension. Carbon dioxide is soluble, forexample, in water in which it reversibly converts to H₂CO₃. The relativeconcentrations of CO₂, H₂CO₃, and the deprotonated forms HCO₃ ⁻ and CO₃²⁻ depend on the pH. In neutral or slightly alkaline water (pH>6.5), theHCO₃ ⁻ form predominates (>50%). In very alkaline water (pH>10.4), thepredominant (>50%) form is CO₃ ²⁻.

In some embodiments, the composition comprising at least about 0.1wt./wt. % CO₂ is in a condensed phase (e.g., under >1 atmosphere ofpressure or dissolved in a fluid). In some embodiments, the compositionthat comprises at least about 0.1 wt./wt. % CO₂ is a fluid comprisingCO₂. In some embodiments, the composition that comprises at least about0.1 vol./vol. % CO₂ is a gas comprising CO₂.

In some embodiments, the composition including CO₂, as described in anyof the embodiments herein, includes about 0.1-1.0 (wt./wt. or vol./vol.)% CO₂, about 1.0-10.0 (wt./wt. or vol./vol.) % CO₂, about 10.0-25.0(wt./wt. or vol./vol.) % CO₂, about 25.0-50.0 (wt./wt. or vol./vol.) %CO₂, about 50.0-75.0 (wt./wt. or vol./vol.) % CO₂, about 75.0-100.0(wt./wt. or vol./vol.) % CO₂, or a range between and including any twoof these values.

As used herein, the term “a composition that generates CO₂” refers, insome embodiments, to a composition including a “CO₂-precursor compound,”or salt thereof, other than H₂CO₃ (carbonic acid), HCO₃ ⁻ (bicarbonate)or CO₃ ²⁻ (carbonate), where the CO₂-precursor compound can generateCO₂. In some embodiments, the CO₂-precursor compound, or salt thereof,that generates CO₂ is selected from citric acid, cis-aconitic acid,isocitric acid, oxalosuccinic acid, α-ketoglutaric acid, succinic acid,fumaric acid, malic acid, oxaloacetic acid, and combinations thereof. Insome embodiments, the composition that generates CO₂ further includes anenzyme that catalyzes a conversion or decarboxylation of theCO₂-precursor compound. (See, for example, Scheme 1, below.) In someembodiments, the enzyme is selected from NAD-malic enzyme, citratesynthase, aconitase, isocitrate dehydrogenase, α-ketoglutaratedehydrogenase, succinyl coenzyme A synthetase, succinate dehydrogenase,fumarase, malate dehydrogenase, and combinations thereof. In someembodiments, the enzyme includes malate dehydrogenase, NAD-malic enzyme,or a combination thereof. Malate dehydrogenase catalyzes the reductionof oxaloacetic acid to malic acid. NAD-malic enzyme catalyzes theformation of CO₂ upon the conversion of malic acid to lactic acid. Insome embodiments, the composition that generates CO₂ further includes amicroorganism including an enzyme that catalyzes a conversion ordecarboxylation of the CO₂-precursor compound. In some embodiments themicroorganism is selected from lactic acid bacteria (LAB), or afunctional equivalent of LAB.

Lactic acid bacteria comprise a Glade of Gram-positive, low-GC,acid-tolerant, generally non-sporulating, non-respiring rod or coccithat are associated by their common metabolic and physiologicalcharacteristics. These bacteria, usually found in decomposing plants andlactic products, produce lactic acid as the major metabolic end-productof carbohydrate fermentation. Genera included among LAB includeLactobacillus, Leuconostoc, Pediococcus, Lactococcus, and Streptococcusas well as the more peripheral Aerococcus, Carnobacterium, Enterococcus,Oenococcus, Sporolactobacillus, Tetragenococcus, Vagococcus, andWeisella, which belong to the order Lactobacillales.

In some embodiments, the plant (e.g., tree) includes an enzyme thatcatalyzes the generation of CO₂ from the CO₂-precursor compound. In someembodiments, the plant (e.g., tree) includes a microorganism, such as aLAB, that includes an enzyme that catalyzes conversion ordecarboxylation of the CO₂-precursor compound. In some embodiments, acomposition, as described herein, is added to the plant that increasesthe concentration of a microorganism and/or enzyme that catalyzesconversion or decarboxylation of the CO₂-precursor compound.

As used herein, the term “a composition that generates CO₂” additionallyrefers, in some embodiments, to a composition that is prepared by thereaction of an amine, or a salt thereof, with CO₂. After the reactionproduct of an amine and CO₂ is formed, the CO₂-enriched reaction productis provided into a plant, such as a tree, where it sheds CO₂ andregenerates the starting amine. Non-limiting examples of an amineinclude ammonia, a primary amine, a secondary amine, a tertiary amine,or a salt thereof. Representative amines include primary (C₆-C₃₀) alkylamines, cyclic amines such as piperidine or morpholine, monoethanolamine(MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), methyldiethanolamine (MDEA),diisopropylamine (DIPA), aminoethoxyethanol (diglycolamine) (DGA), or acombination thereof.

In some embodiments, the composition that generates CO₂ is prepared bythe reaction of an amine, or a salt thereof, with CO₂. After thereaction product of an amine and CO₂ is formed, the reaction product isprovided into a plant, such as a tree, where it sheds CO₂ andregenerates the starting amine. Non-limiting examples of an amineinclude ammonia, a primary amine, a secondary amine, a tertiary amine,or a salt thereof. For example, the composition that generates CO₂ mayinclude an aqueous solution of one or more amines such as those commonlyused to “scrub” CO₂ from a solution, or from a mixture of gasses, in theoil industry. Representative amines used for CO₂ scrubbing includeprimary (C₆-C₃₀) alkyl amines, cyclic amines such as piperidine ormorpholine, monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA),methyldiethanolamine (MDEA), diisopropylamine (DIPA), aminoethoxyethanol(diglycolamine) (DGA), or a combination thereof. See for example theamines disclosed in G. T. Rochelle et al., “Amine Scrubbing for CO₂Capture,” Science, Sep. 25, 2009: 1652-1654, in the references citedtherein, and in the published presentation by H. Dang and G. T.Rochelle, “CO₂ Absorption Rate and Solubility inMonoethanolamine/piperazine/Water,” given at the First NationalConference on Carbon Sequestration, Washington, D.C., May 14-17, 2001,and in the references cited therein. Some typical amine concentrations,expressed as weight percent of pure amine in the aqueous solution, canbe 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 75%, 100%, or a concentration betweenany two of these values.

A representative reaction product of an amine, or a salt thereof, withCO₂ can be prepared by contacting an aqueous amine solution with CO₂that is either supplied in relatively pure form or obtained from thesurrounding atmosphere. The amine solution “scrubs” or captures the CO₂and thus forms a composition that generates CO₂ (i.e., substantiallyenriched with CO₂) which may then be provided into a plant, such as atree. Once provided, the composition that generates CO₂ will shed CO₂,thereby delivering CO₂ to the tree and regenerating the amine solution(i.e., substantially lacking CO₂), which can be recovered from the tree.After recovery, the amine solution can be recycled by recontacting theamine solution with additional CO₂ to recapture CO₂ and regenerate thecomposition that generates CO₂ for additional administration into thetree.

The preparation and use of an amine-based composition that generates CO₂may further include an absorber unit and/or a regenerator unit as wellas any related accessory equipment. Absorber units, such as thoseroutinely used in the oil industry, increase the rate and/or efficiencyby which the amine solution absorbs CO₂, that is supplied in relativelypure form or obtained from the surrounding atmosphere, to produce anamine solution rich in the absorbed CO₂. For example, the absorber unitmay attain temperatures of, for example, 20° C.-200° C., and/orpressures of, for example, 1-10,000 atmospheres. The resulting aminesolution, now rich in the absorbed CO₂, is then routed into the tree,CO₂ is shed from solution into the tree, and the amine solution, nowsubstantially lacking CO₂, is recovered from the tree and optionallyregenerated with additional CO₂. Optionally, a regenerator unit islocated on or inside the tree to increase the rate at which CO₂ is shedfrom the amine solution to produce free CO₂ that is provided into thetree. As such, the absorber unit is generally located outside the tree,whereas the regenerator unit can be located inside or outside the tree.In some embodiments, one or more absorber units and/or regenerator unitsare operatively connected to one or more of components (a)-(i) of theapparatus, described herein, for coordinating the input of a compositionincluding at least about 0.1 (wt./wt. or vol./vol.) % CO₂ and/or acomposition that generates CO₂ into plants and the extraction of thecarbon-based photosynthate from plants. In some embodiments, theabsorber units and/or regenerator units are miniature versions of thoseknown to one of ordinary skill in the art of CO₂ capture. See forexample the absorber units and/or regenerator units disclosed inRochelle et al., “Amine Scrubbing for CO₂ Capture,” Science, Sep. 25,2009: 1652-1654, and in the references cited therein.

In some embodiments, any of the compositions that generates CO₂ may formmicelles that carry “payloads” of CO₂ and assist in the delivery of CO₂to the tree. For example, the composition that generates CO₂ may formmicelles that include surfactants in addition to either an CO₂-precursorcompound, as described above, or one or more amines such as a primary(C₆-C₃₀) alkyl amine, cyclic amines such as piperidine or morpholine,monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), methyldiethanolamine(MDEA), diisopropylamine (DIPA), aminoethoxyethanol (diglycolamine)(DGA), or a combination thereof. These micelles may further carry“payloads” that include a nutrient, microbicide, fungicide,antibacterial agent, antiviral agent, insecticide, plant hormone agent,plant growth modulator, anti-herbivore agent, fertilizer, or a mixturethereof. Thus, the micelles may likewise assist in the delivery of anyof these agents into the tree.

In some embodiments, any of the compositions that generates CO₂ mayinclude about 0.1-1.0 wt./wt. % of the CO₂-precursor compound, about1.0-10.0 wt./wt. % of the CO₂-precursor compound, about 10.0-25.0wt./wt. % of the CO₂-precursor compound, about 25.0-50.0 wt./wt. % ofthe CO₂-precursor compound, about 50.0-75.0 wt./wt. % of theCO₂-precursor compound, about 75.0-100.0 wt./wt. % of the CO₂-precursorcompound, or a range between and including any two of these values.

In some embodiments, the composition comprising CO₂ and/or thecomposition that generates CO₂ further includes water. In someembodiments, the composition comprising CO₂ and/or the composition thatgenerates CO₂ further includes an excipient. In some embodiments, thecomposition comprising CO₂ and/or the composition that generates CO₂further includes an excipient selected from a fungicide, antibiotic,antiviral, pesticide, growth regulator, nutrient, anti-herbivore agent,fertilizer, stomata control agent and a combination thereof. In someembodiments, the composition including at least about 0.1 (wt./wt. orvol./vol.) % CO₂ and/or a composition that generates CO₂ furtherincludes from about 0.01 wt./wt. % to about 1 wt./wt. %, from about 1wt./wt. % to about 5 wt./wt. %, from about 5 wt./wt. % to about 15wt./wt. %, from about 15 wt./wt. % to about 25 wt./wt. %, from about 25wt./wt. % to about 50 wt./wt. %, or a range between and including anytwo of these values, of one or more excipients as described herein.

In some embodiments, the composition that generates CO₂ is a fluid, gel,aerosol, solution, or a suspension or a component thereof. In someembodiments, the composition including CO₂ and/or a composition thatgenerates CO₂ is a fluid. In some embodiments the composition includingCO₂ and/or a composition that generates CO₂ is a gel. In someembodiments the composition including CO₂ and/or a composition thatgenerates CO₂ is a suspension. In some embodiments the compositionincluding CO₂ and/or a composition that generates CO₂ is an aerosol. Insome embodiments the composition including CO₂ and/or a composition thatgenerates CO₂ is a solution.

In some embodiments, the compositions described herein, including CO₂and/or generating CO₂, further include an excipient. In someembodiments, the excipient is selected from a fungicide, antibiotic,antiviral, pesticide, growth regulator, nutrient, anti-herbivore agent,fertilizer, stomata control agent and a combination thereof. Thecomposition may be a fluid (e.g., solution), gel, an aerosol, or asuspension including such excipients.

Exemplary non-limiting fungicides include, but are not limited to,copper chelate, which is used to treat ash yellows, Dutch elm diseaseand fruit tree-related fungus problems; mefenoxam((R)-2[(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-metho-xyacetylamino]-propionic acid methylester), which is used to treat certain diseases in conifers, nonbearingcitrus, nonbearing deciduous fruits and nuts, ornamentals and shadetrees; propiconazole, which is used to treat broad spectrum systemicdisease control for evergreens, ornamentals and shade trees; and others.For instance, 14.3% propaconazole can be applied at a rate of 10 ml per2.54 cm (1 inch) diameter of e.g., to control Dutch elm disease in elm,and oak wilt in oak.

Exemplary non-limiting antibiotics include, but are not limited tooxytetracycline and streptomycin.

Exemplary non-limiting pesticides include, but are not limited to,Decathlon® (cyfluthrin; OHP, Inc., Mainland, Pa.) which is used tocontrol pests such as ants, crickets, spiders, etc.; abamectin B1, whichis used for insect pest control for woody trees and shrubs for beetles,lace bugs, spider mites and leaf miners; imidacloprid, which is used forbroad spectrum control for adelgid, armored scales, Asian longhornedbeetle, aphids, elm leaf beetles, black vine weevil larvae, eucalyptuslonghorned borer, flatheaded borers (including bronze birch borer andalder-birch borer), Japanese beetles, lace bugs, leaf hoppers, leafminers, mealy bugs, sawfly larvae, pine tip moth larvae, psyllids, royalpalm bugs, scale insects, thrips, and whiteflies; azadirachtin, which isused for insect pest control for aphids, armyworms, bagworms, beetles,grubs and weevils, cankerworms, caterpillars, loopers and moths,chafers, cutworms, flies, greenhouse leaf tiers, leaf hoppers, leafminers, leaf rollers, leaf perforators, marsh crane flies, mealy bugs,psyllids, sawflies, thrips and whiteflies; nicotine sulfate, which isused for control of mites. For instance, 10% imidacloprid can be appliedat a rate of 2 ml per 2.54 cm (1 inch) diameter to trees for control ofwooly adelgid.

Exemplary non-limiting growth regulators include, but are not limitedto, potassium salts of 6-hydroxy-3-(2H)-pyridazinone, which is used as agrowth inhibitor and retardants for shade trees, evergreens andornamentals, and ethylene, which is a plant auxin used to inhibit seedset in invasive trees.

Exemplary non-limiting nutrients and fertilizers include, but are notlimited to, 18-3-4 spring/fall fertilizer (e.g., “Dean's Green,”Blackstone Ag Inc., Mesa, Ariz., USA); 5-10-5 summer/winter fertilizer(e.g., “Nutra-green,” Blackstone Ag Inc., Mesa, Ariz., USA), fulvic acid(e.g., “LM-32,” Blackstone Ag Inc., Mesa, Ariz., USA), 14-2-3 fertilizer(e.g., “Enhance,” Blackstone Ag Inc., Mesa, Ariz., USA), ammonia,orthophosphate, chelates, calcium nitrate, calcium, magnesium,phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, boron, cobalt, copper, iron, manganese,molybdenum, zinc, etc., and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the compositions described herein, including CO₂and/or generating CO₂, further include a stomata control agent.Exemplary non-limiting embodiments of stomata control agent compriseabscisic acid or a salt or precursor thereof. The composition may be afluid (e.g., solution), gel, an aerosol, or a suspension.

Providing Compositions Into Plants

Each of the compositions described herein can be provided into a plant,via any article or apparatus described herein, according to any of themethods described herein for providing a composition into a plant. Insome embodiments, a composition including CO₂ and/or a composition thatgenerates CO₂ is provided into the plant with an injection needle. Theneedle can be of any length sufficient to access the vascular system ofthe plant, such as a tree. For example, the needle can be from about 0.1cm (0.04 inches) to about 10.0 cm (4.0 inches) long, or any intermediatelength, with at least one small aperture at the distal end of theneedle. The purpose of this needle is to inject the compositionincluding CO₂ and/or a composition that generates CO₂ into a tree suchas a hardwood or softwood tree. The needle can be made of steel,stainless steel, aluminum, glass, plastic, or other similar materials.

In some embodiments, a composition including CO₂ and/or a compositionthat generates CO₂, is provided into one or more interior channels thathave been created within the plant. Such channels can generally becreated by boring into the plant to create one or more openings intowhich the CO₂ or the composition that generates CO₂ can be deposited,and from which the CO₂ or the composition that generates CO₂ willgradually leach into the plant. Such channels or openings can be createdby using any wood-boring tool known to one of ordinary skill. Forexample, a channel-boring device can be used that resembles the shape ofan endoscope, but has a cutting mechanism at its tip. Theendoscopic-type cutting device can bore an aperture, in a roughlyhorizontal direction, towards the dead woody interior of a tree. Theendoscopic-type cutting device can then turn upward and bore interiorchannels, in a roughly vertical direction, up a portion of the length ofthe tree. Further, the device can be used to widen the vertical channelswithin the interior of the tree. In some embodiments, a resultingchannel of e.g., 1-2 mm wide is expanded within the interior of the treeuntil the hollowed channel resembles, in shape, the inner sheath ofcoaxial cable (e.g., having a cylinder-like geometry).

In some embodiments, a composition including CO₂ and/or a compositionthat generates CO₂ is provided into one or more of such interiorchannels within the tree. Thus provided, the composition including CO₂and/or a composition that generates CO₂, is allowed to diffuse or soakfrom the relatively dead and woody interior channels into the xylem ofthe tree. In some embodiments, the interior channels are located closeto the xylem. In some embodiments, the composition including CO₂ and/ora composition that generates CO₂ will be provided into xylem and thecarbon-based photosynthate will be extracted from the phloem.

Alternatively or additionally, the composition including CO₂ and/or acomposition that generates CO₂ can be allowed to diffuse or soak fromthe interior channels into the phloem of the tree. In some embodiments,the interior channels are located close to the phloem. In someembodiments, the composition including CO₂ and/or a composition thatgenerates CO₂ will be provided into the phloem and the carbon-basedphotosynthate will be extracted from the xylem.

Alternatively or additionally, the composition including CO₂ and/or acomposition that generates CO₂ can be allowed to diffuse or soak intothe plant from its leaves or roots. In some embodiments, the compositionis applied to the leaves of a plant by a spray or as a coating. In someembodiments, the composition will be provided to the roots of the plantas a fluid (by itself or within a solution).

In some embodiments, the composition including CO₂ and/or a compositionthat generates CO₂, of any of the embodiments described herein, isprovided into or proximate to the vasculature system of the plant. Insome embodiments the composition including CO₂ and/or a composition thatgenerates CO₂ is provided into or near cells of the plant that aresubstantially dead. In some embodiments the composition including CO₂and/or a composition that generates CO₂ is provided into or near thexylem of the plant. In some embodiments the composition including CO₂and/or a composition that generates CO₂ is provided into or near cellsof the plant that are substantially alive. In some embodiments thecomposition including CO₂ and/or a composition that generates CO₂ isprovided into or near the phloem of the plant. In some embodiments, theplant is grown on a farm, orchard, or in a forest. In some embodiments,the plant is a tree.

In some embodiments, the tree is grown on a farm, orchard, or in aforest. In some embodiments, the tree is a hardwood selected from alder,ash, aspen, balsa, beech, birch, cherry, chestnut, cottonwood, dogwood,elm, eucalyptus, gum, hickory, mahogany, maple, oak, poplar, walnut, andwillow. In some embodiments, the tree is a softwood selected fromsoftwoods include cedar, cypress, fir (e.g., Douglas-fir), yew, hemlock,pine, and spruce.

In some embodiments, some of the cells of the native vascular system ofthe tree have been removed and replaced with a substitute vascularsystem. For example, some or all of the native xylem of the plant havebeen removed and replaced, at least in part, with substitute xylem. Thesubstitute xylem may be made of any material, such a wood, plastic,resin, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the substitutexylem includes a material having pores through which the compositionincluding CO₂ and/or a composition that generates CO₂ is circulatedthrough the tree.

In some embodiments, the carbon-based photosynthate is extracted from ornear the phloem of the plant. Additionally, some or all of the nativephloem of the plant have been removed and replaced with substitutephloem. The substitute phloem may comprise any material, such a wood,plastic, resin, metal or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, thesubstitute phloem includes a material having pores through which thecarbon-based photosynthate is extracted from the phloem of the plant. Insome embodiments, the carbon-based photosynthate includes sap. In someembodiments, the carbon-based photosynthate includes glucose, stachyose,or sugar alcohols such as sorbitol. In some embodiments, the plant isgrown on a farm, orchard, or in a forest. In some embodiments, the plantis a tree.

In some embodiments, compositions described herein can be provided to aplant to increase the plant's rate of translocation during a period oftime. The translocation rates of plants can be measured according tomethods known to those of skill in the art. In this regard, the rate oftranslocation may increase from about 5% to about 10%, from about 10% toabout 15%, from about 15% to about 20%, from about 20% to about 30%,from about 30% to about 40%, from about 40% to about 50%, from about 50%to about 75%, from about 75% to about 100%, or a range between andincluding any two of these values, during a period of time of from aboutone day to about one week, from about one week to about one month, fromabout six months to about one year, from about one year to about fiveyears, or a range between and including any two of these values. In someembodiments, the plant is grown on a farm, orchard, or in a forest. Insome embodiments, the plant is a tree.

In some embodiments, compositions described herein can be provided to aplant to decrease the plant's rate of absorption of atmospheric CO₂ overthe period of time. In this regard, the rate of absorption ofatmospheric CO₂ by the plant may be reduced from about 5% to about 10%,from about 10% to about 15%, from about 15% to about 20%, from about 20%to about 30%, from about 30% to about 40%, from about 40% to about 50%,from about 50% to about 75%, from about 75% to about 100%, or a rangebetween and including any two of these values, during a period of timeof from about one day to about one week, from about one week to aboutone month, from about six months to about one year, from about one yearto about five years, or a range between and including any two of thesevalues.

The rate of absorption of atmospheric CO₂ by a plant can be measuredaccording to methods known to those of skill in the art, including themethods described in U.S. Patent Publication No.: 20100043096. The CO₂absorption rates of plants can be measured with instruments such as aLi-6400 photosynthesis system (Li-Cor, Inc., Lincoln, Nebr., USA).

“Smart” Sensors and Pumps

According to another aspect, an apparatus is provided for coordinatingthe input of a composition including CO₂ and/or a composition thatgenerates CO₂ into the plant(s) and the extraction of the carbon-basedphotosynthate from the plant(s). The apparatus can include one or moreof each of the following components: (a) an infusion pump for deliveringthe composition including CO₂ and/or the composition that generates CO₂into the tree, (b) an extraction pump for extracting the carbon-basedphotosynthate from the tree, (c) a receptacle containing the compositionincluding CO₂ and/or the composition that generates CO₂ and/or areceptacle containing carbon-based photosynthate, (d) a sensor, (e) acontrol unit (i.e., “process controller”) including a microprocessor,electrically connected to the infusion pump and the sensor, (f) a userinterface, optionally including a display, operatively connected to thecontrol unit, (g) an absorber unit, operatively connected to the controlunit, (h) a regenerator unit, operatively connected to the control unit,and (i) a communications interface operatively connected to one or moreof components (a)-(h) and optionally adapted for wireless communication.Each of components (a)-(i) may be combined into an integrated apparatus.Alternatively, one or more of components (a)-(i) may be used remotelyfrom the other components. Components (a)-(i) may interface via wiring,(e.g., via hard wiring, a serial port, a USB port, a “fire wire” port,etc.), or in a wireless fashion (e.g., connected an via infraredconnection, a radio frequency connection, a BLUETOOTH® connection,etc.).

The Infusion and Extraction Pumps (a)-(b):

Suitable pumps are well known in the art and in industries such as theoil industry (e.g., for the injection or extraction of subsea fluids) orthe healthcare industry (e.g., for the infusion of fluids into apatient). See, e.g., U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/434,974; andU.S. Pat. Nos. 6,270,478; 6,213,738; 5,743,878; 5,665,070; 5,522,798;and 5,171,301, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety. Such pumps can be simple pumps which are either “on” or “off,”or may comprise a programmable controller (referred to in the art as a“smart pump”) that may be integral to the pump or exist as a separatecontroller unit interfaced in a wired (e.g., via hard wiring, a serialport, a USB port, a “fire wire” port, etc.) or wireless fashion (e.g.,connected an via infrared connection, a radio frequency connection, aBLUETOOTH® connection, etc.). Each of the pumps may communicate withcomponents (a)-(i). In one embodiment each of the pumps may includetechnology (e.g., bluetooth) for wireless communication. Whereadditional information is available from components (a)-(i) it iscontemplated that the control unit of the pumps may be programmed orotherwise configured to collect the information and use the informationto modify infusion and/or extraction rates.

The Receptacles (c):

Each receptacle of the apparatus is used to store a supply, for example,of either the composition including CO₂ and the composition thatgenerates CO₂ or the carbon-based photosynthate. Additional receptaclescan optionally be used to store one or more excipients that modulateplant growth (e.g., antivirals or any agent to accelerate or retard rootgrowth). Alternatively, such excipients can be combined in a singlereceptacle with the composition including CO₂ and/or the compositionthat generates CO₂. The receptacle can be of any size or shape andconsist of any material such as plastic, metal, or glass.

The Sensors (d):

One or more sensors are used to obtain and monitor data related to theplant. Each sensor is independently located in the vicinity of theplant, within the plant, or on the surface of the plant. Each sensor canbe used to obtain and monitor data, for example, related to theconcentration of H₂O, CO₂, composition that generates CO₂, orcarbon-based photosynthate. Each sensor can also be used to obtain andmonitor data, for example, related to atmospheric temperature, planttemperature, humidity, plant moisture level, wind speed, sunlight level,the amount of water provided to the plant, the transpiration rate of theplant, guard cell morphology (e.g., expansion or contraction), the rateof injection of CO₂ or composition that generates CO₂ into the plant, orthe rate of extraction of carbon-based photosynthate from the plant. Thesensors obtain and monitor such data related to the plant and providethe data to the control unit including a microprocessor.

The Control Unit and User Interface (e)-(f):

The control unit including a microprocessor receives data related to theplant from the sensors, as described above, to coordinate and optimizethe administration of the composition including CO₂ and/or thecomposition that generates CO₂ into the plant, or the rate of extractionof carbon-based photosynthate from the plant. For example, the controlunit can set initial irrigation rates, rates at which the compositionincluding CO₂ and/or the composition that generates CO₂ is provided tothe plant, and rates at which carbon-based photosynthate is extractedfrom the plant. After receiving data from the sensors, the control unitcan adjust and optimize such initial rates. For example, the controlunit can adjust initial rates, of the administration of the compositionincluding CO₂ and/or the composition that generates CO₂ into the plant,to levels that enable the plant to reduce transpiration and thusminimize water consumption. The control unit can coordinate thecomponents (a)-(d), (f) and (g) necessary to monitor a single plant.Alternatively, the control unit can coordinate numerous components(a)-(d), (f) and (g) that are necessary to monitor many plantsthroughout a geographical area. Also, one or more user interfaces, suchas those commonly used in the art, can be included anywhere within theapparatus. Each user interface optionally includes a display, such as atouch screen display, and various manual inputs.

The Absorber Units and/or Regenerator Units (g)-(h):

Absorber units, such as those routinely used in the oil industry,increase the rate and/or efficiency by which the amine solution absorbsCO₂, that is supplied in relatively pure form or obtained from thesurrounding atmosphere, to produce an amine solution rich in theabsorbed CO₂. Optionally, a regenerator unit is located on or inside thetree to increase the rate at which CO₂ is shed from the amine solutionto produce free CO₂ that is provided into the tree. As such, theabsorber unit is generally located outside the tree, whereas theregenerator unit can be located inside or outside the tree. In someembodiments, the absorber units and/or regenerator units are minitureversions of those known to one of ordinary skill in the art of CO₂capture. See for example the absorber units and/or regenerator unitsdisclosed in Rochelle et al., “Amine Scrubbing for CO₂ Capture,”Science, Sep. 25, 2009: 1652-1654, and in the references cited therein.

The Communications Interface (i): The communications interfacefacilitates the exchange of information between components (a)-(h) andmay consist of wiring, (e.g., via hard wiring, a serial port, a USBport, a “fire wire” port, etc.), of physically removable storage media(e.g., an SD card, a flash drive, etc.), or wireless connections (e.g.,connected an via infrared connection, a radio frequency connection, aBLUETOOTH® connection, etc.).

In some embodiments, the above-described apparatus is automated tocontrol the rates at which the composition including CO₂ and/or thecomposition that generates CO₂ are provided (e.g., injected) and therate of extraction of carbon-based photosynthate. In some embodiments,the rate of injection or the rate of extraction is substantiallyconstant over the period of time. In some embodiments, injection and/orextraction is conducted under pressure. In this regard, the pressure maybe in excess of one pound per square inch (psi, 0.007 MPa), such as fromabout 1 psi to about 100 psi (0.7 MPa), or from about 100 psi to about1000 psi (7 MPa), or a range between and including any two of thesevalues.

In some embodiments, the rate of injection or the rate of extraction isnot substantially constant over the period of time. In this regard, therate of injection or the rate of extraction may fluctuate depending acondition, where exemplary non-limiting conditions include temperature,the time of day or night, the number of hours of sunlight in a day,humidity, dew point, and average daily rainfall.

Modified Plants

In some embodiments the plant, that is provided the compositionincluding CO₂ and/or the composition that generates CO₂ and from whichcarbon-based photosynthate extracted, is a wild-type plant. In someembodiments, the plant has been conventionally bred or geneticallyengineered. In some embodiments, the plant has been conventionally bredor genetically engineered to consume a reduced amount of water over aperiod of time relative to a corresponding wild-type plant. In thisregard, the quantity of water that is consumed by a conventionally bredor genetically engineered plant may decrease from about 5% to about 10%,from about 10% to about 15%, from about 15% to about 20%, from about 20%to about 30%, from about 30% to about 40%, from about 40% to about 50%,from about 50% to about 75%, from about 75% to about 100%, or a rangebetween and including any two of these values, during a period of timeof from about one day to about one week, from about one week to aboutone month, from about six months to about one year, from about one yearto about five years, or a range between and including any two of thesevalues. In some embodiments, the plant is grown on a farm, orchard, orin a forest. In some embodiments, the plant is a tree.

In some embodiments the plant is conventionally bred or geneticallymodified to reduce their requirement for water. For example, the plantsmay be conventionally bred or transformed with genes coding forproteins, such as enzyme phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) carboxylase (PEPC),that facilitate the fixation of carbon according to the crassulaceanacid metabolism (CAM) in plants. Such plants that utilize CAM-basedphotosynthesis generally include plants that are indigenous to aridenvironments and whose stomata generally shut during the day to minimizewater loss and open at night to absorb CO₂. Non-limiting examples ofsuch plants include various species of palm trees and pineapple trees,and further include Clusia aripoensis, Clusia rosea, Clusia minor, andMesembryanthemum crystallinum. Methods of transforming plants with genescoding for proteins that facilitate the fixation of carbon according toCAM in plants, are known to those of skill in the art. See, for example,Haider M S, et al., J Exp Bot. 2012 March; 63(5):1985-96; Mallona I, etal., Plant Physiol. 2011 August; 156(4): 1978-89; Patel M and Berry J,Exp Bot. 2008; 59(7):1875-94; and Cushman, Plant Physiology, December2001 vol. 127 no. 4 1439-1448, and the references cited therein.

Additionally, the plants can be conventionally bred or geneticallymodified to disrupt genes related their stomata. This may be used toproduce plants with fewer stomata, with smaller stomata, or to modifythe mechanism by which the stomata are opened. As such, the resultingplants that are conventionally bred or genetic disrupted include stomatathat are substantially closed or inhibited from opening and thus displayreduced levels of water loss from transpiration. Methods of disruptinggenes in plants, such as the 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphatereductoisomerase (DXR) gene, that are related to the mechanism by thestomata are opened, are known to those of skill in the art. See forexample, Xing, et al., Cell Research (2010) 20:688-70, and thereferences cited therein.

In some embodiments, the plant has been conventionally bred orgenetically engineered to produce a greater quantity of carbohydratesover a period of time relative to a corresponding wild-type plant. Inthis regard, the quantity of the carbon-based photosynthate that isproduced by a conventionally bred or genetically engineered plant mayincrease from about 5% to about 10%, from about 10% to about 15%, fromabout 15% to about 20%, from about 20% to about 30%, from about 30% toabout 40%, from about 40% to about 50%, from about 50% to about 75%,from about 75% to about 100%, or a range between and including any twoof these values, during a period of time of from about one day to aboutone week, from about one week to about one month, from about six monthsto about one year, from about one year to about five years, or a rangebetween and including any two of these values. In some embodiments, theplant has been conventionally bred or genetically engineered to havefewer stomata relative to the wild-type plant. In some embodiments, theplant is grown on a farm, orchard, or in a forest. In some embodiments,the plant is a tree.

In some embodiments, the tree is a hardwood selected from alder, ash,aspen, balsa, beech, birch, cherry, chestnut, cottonwood, dogwood, elm,eucalyptus, gum, hickory, mahogany, maple, oak, poplar, walnut, andwillow. In some embodiments, the tree is a softwood selected fromsoftwoods include cedar, cypress, fir (e.g., Douglas-fir), yew, hemlock,pine, and spruce.

Methods and Articles for Reducing Water Consumption and the Rate ofTranspiration

According to one aspect, a method is provided for reducing the amount ofwater removed from soil by a plant over an interval of time, comprisingproviding the plant with a composition that is at least one of acomposition comprising at least about 0.1 (wt./wt. or vol./vol.) % CO₂or at least about 0.1 wt./wt. % of a composition that generates CO₂.

Without being bound by theory, the water requirements of the plant maybe reduced, in part, due to the ability of the composition including CO₂and/or the composition that generates CO₂ to modulate stomata activitywithin the plant. In particular the composition including CO₂ and/or thecomposition that generates CO₂ may modulate stomata by preventing orinhibiting the opening of these cells. In some embodiments, the methodis conducted in an arid environment, such as a desert.

In some embodiments, the method further includes removing a carbon-basedphotosynthate from the plant. In some embodiments, the method furtherincludes monitoring the amount of water transpired from a plant. In someembodiments, the method further includes correlating the amount of watertranspired by a plant with the amount of composition provided to theplant. In some embodiments, the method further includes monitoring theamount of water removed from soil by a plant. In some embodiments, themethod further includes correlating the amount of water removed fromsoil by a plant with the amount of composition provided to the plant. Insome embodiments, the method further includes adjusting the amount ofthe composition that is provided to the plant or the amount ofcarbon-based photosynthate that is removed from the plant. In someembodiments, the adjustment is based upon the amount of water removedfrom soil by a plant. In some embodiments, the adjustment is based uponthe amount of water transpired by a plant. In some embodiments, the rateof transpiration by the plant is reduced over the period of time.

In some embodiments, the method further includes extracting acarbon-based photosynthate from the plant in fluid form without anyexternal cutting. In some embodiments, the plant is grown on a farm,orchard, or in a forest. In some embodiments, the plant is a tree. Inthis regard, the quantity of the carbon-based photosynthate that isproduced by a plant may increase from about 5% to about 10%, from about10% to about 15%, from about 15% to about 20%, from about 20% to about30%, from about 30% to about 40%, from about 40% to about 50%, fromabout 50% to about 75%, from about 75% to about 100%, or a range betweenand including any two of these values, during a period of time of fromabout one day to about one week, from about one week to about one month,from about six months to about one year, from about one year to aboutfifty years, or a range between and including any two of these values.In some embodiments, the plant is grown on a farm, orchard or in aforest. In some embodiments, the plant is a tree.

In some embodiments of the method, the composition comprising at leastabout 0.1 wt./wt. % CO₂ is in a condensed phase (e.g., under >1atmosphere of pressure or dissolved in a fluid). In some embodiments,the composition that comprises at least about 0.1 wt./wt. % CO₂ is afluid comprising CO₂. In some embodiments, the composition thatcomprises at least about 0.1 vol./vol. % CO₂ is a gas comprising CO₂. Insome embodiments, the composition comprising at least about 0.1 (wt./wt.or vol. vol.) % CO₂ comprises at least about 1.0 (wt./wt. or vol./vol.)% CO₂. In some embodiments, the composition comprising at least about0.1 (wt./wt. or vol. vol.) % CO₂ comprises at least about 10.0 (wt./wt.or vol./vol.) % CO₂.

In some embodiments of the method, the composition that generates CO₂includes the reaction product of an amine, or a salt thereof, and CO₂.In some embodiments, the amine is ammonia, a primary (C₆-C₃₀) alkylamine, piperidine, morpholine, monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine(DEA), methyldiethanolamine (MDEA), diisopropylamine (DIPA),aminoethoxyethanol (DGA), or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments of the method, the composition that generates CO₂includes a CO₂-precursor compound, or salt thereof, selected from citricacid, cis-aconitic acid, isocitric acid, oxalosuccinic acid,α-ketoglutaric acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid,oxaloacetic acid, and a combination thereof.

In some embodiments of the method, the composition that generates CO₂further includes an enzyme that catalyzes a conversion ordecarboxylation of the CO₂-precursor compound. In some embodiments, theenzyme is malate dehydrogenase, NAD-malic enzyme, or a combinationthereof. In some embodiments, the composition that generates CO₂ furtherincludes a microorganism or fraction thereof having an enzyme thatcatalyzes a conversion or decarboxylation of the CO₂-precursor compound.In some embodiments, the microorganism is a lactic acid bacterium.

In some embodiments of the method, the composition that generates CO₂further includes an enzyme that catalyzes a conversion or adecarboxylation of the CO₂-precursor compound. In some embodiments, theenzyme is malate dehydrogenase, NAD-malic enzyme, or a combinationthereof. In some embodiments, the composition that generates CO₂ furtherincludes a microorganism or fraction thereof having an enzyme thatcatalyzes a conversion or a decarboxylation of the CO₂-precursorcompound. In some embodiments, the microorganism is a lactic acidbacterium.

In some embodiments of the method, the composition further includeswater. In some embodiments, the composition further includes anexcipient. In some embodiments, the excipient is selected from afungicide, antibiotic, antiviral, pesticide, growth regulator, nutrient,anti-herbivore agent, fertilizer, stomata control agent and acombination thereof. In some embodiments, the composition furtherincludes a stomata control agent. In some embodiments, the stomatacontrol agent includes abscisic acid or a salt or precursor thereof.

In some embodiments of the method, the composition is included within afluid, gel, an aerosol, a solution, or a suspension. In someembodiments, the composition is provided into the vasculature system ofthe plant or to the immediate proximity thereof. In some embodiments,the composition is provided into the phloem or xylem of the plant or tothe immediate proximity thereof. In some embodiments, the composition isprovided to the plant by injecting the composition into the plant. Insome embodiments, the composition is provided to a leaf or root of theplant or to the immediate proximity thereof. In some embodiments, someof the cells of the native vascular system of the tree have been removedand replaced with a functional substitute.

In some embodiments of the method, the carbon-based photosynthate isextracted from the phloem or xylem of the plant or from the immediateproximity thereof. In some embodiments, the carbon-based photosynthateincludes a carbohydrate. In some embodiments, the method furtherincludes increasing the quantity of the carbon-based photosynthate thatis produced by the plant during an interval of time. In someembodiments, the method further includes monitoring the quantity of thecarbon-based photosynthate that is produced by a plant during aninterval of time. In other embodiments, the method further includesmonitoring the quantity of the carbon-based photosynthate that isproduced by a plant during an interval of time. In some embodiments, themethod further includes correlating the quantity of the carbon-basedphotosynthate that is produced by a plant with the amount of compositionprovided to the plant.

In some embodiments, the method further includes correlating thequantity of the carbon-based photosynthate that is produced by a plantwith the amount of composition provided to the plant. In someembodiments, the interval of time is at least one week and the quantityis increased by at least 10%.

In some embodiments, the method further includes increasing the rate oftranslocation by a plant during an interval of time. In someembodiments, the interval of time is at least one week and the rate oftranslocation is increased by at least 10%.

In some embodiments, the method further includes decreasing the rate ofabsorption of atmospheric CO₂ by the plant during an interval of time.In some embodiments, the interval of time is at least one week and therate of absorption of atmospheric CO₂ is decreased by at least 10%.

In some embodiments of the method, the carbon-based photosynthateincludes carbon derived in part from the composition that is provided tothe plant. In some embodiments, the method is at least partiallyautomated. In some embodiments, the composition is provided underpositive pressure up to about 1,000 pounds per square inch (7 MPa). Insome embodiments, the plant is a wild-type plant or is a domesticatedplant. In some embodiments, the plant has been genetically engineered.In some embodiments, the plant has been bred or genetically engineeredto consume a reduced amount of soil-derived water over an interval oftime relative to a corresponding wild-type plant. In some embodiments,the plant has been bred or genetically engineered to produce a greaterquantity of carbon-based photosynthate over an interval of time relativeto a corresponding wild-type plant. In some embodiments, the plant hasbeen bred or genetically engineered to have fewer stomata relative to acorresponding wild-type plant. In some embodiments, the plant has beenbred or genetically engineered to have smaller stomata relative to acorresponding wild-type plant. In some embodiments, the plant has beenbred or genetically engineered to have stomata which are less openrelative to a corresponding wild-type plant.

In some embodiments, plant is grown on a farm, orchard, or in a forest.In some embodiments, the plant is a tree. In some embodiments, the treeis a hardwood selected from an alder, ash, aspen, balsa, beech, birch,cherry, chestnut, cottonwood, dogwood, elm, eucalyptus, gum, hickory,mahogany, maple, oak, poplar, walnut, and willow.

In some embodiments, the tree is a softwood selected from a cedar,cypress, fir, yew, hemlock, pine, and spruce.

In some embodiments, the method further includes taking a firstmeasurement of the amount of water removed from soil by a plant over aperiod of time; providing the plant with a composition that is at leastone of a composition comprising at least about 0.1 (wt./wt. orvol./vol.) % CO₂ and a composition that generates CO₂; and taking asecond measurement of the amount of water removed from soil by the plantover a period of time, where the second measurement is reduced relativeto the first measurement.

In some embodiments, the method further includes taking a firstmeasurement of the amount of water transpired by a plant over a periodof time; providing the plant with a composition that is at least one ofa composition comprising at least about 0.1 (wt./wt. or vol./vol.) % CO₂and a composition that generates CO₂; and taking a second measurement ofthe amount of water transpired by the plant over a period of time, wherethe second measurement is reduced relative to the first measurement.

In this regard, the amount of water consumed by a plant may be reducedfrom about 5% to about 10%, from about 10% to about 15%, from about 15%to about 20%, from about 20% to about 30%, from about 30% to about 40%,from about 40% to about 50%, from about 50% to about 75%, from about 75%to about 100%, or a range between and including any two of these values,during a period of time of from about one day to about one week, fromabout one week to about one month, from about six months to about oneyear, from about one year to about five years, or a range between andincluding any two of these values. In some embodiments, the plant isgrown on a farm, orchard, or in a forest. In some embodiments, the plantis a tree.

According to another aspect, an article is provided where the articleincludes a plant, and a composition that comprises at least about 0.1(wt./wt. or vol./vol.) % CO₂ or at least about 0.1 wt./wt. % of acomposition that generates CO₂.

In some embodiments of the article, the composition that generates CO₂includes the reaction product of an amine, or a salt thereof, with CO₂.In some embodiments, the composition that generates CO₂ includes thereaction product of an amine, or a salt thereof, and CO₂. In someembodiments, the amine is ammonia, a primary (C₆-C₃₀) alkyl amine,piperidine, morpholine, monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA),methyldiethanolamine (MDEA), diisopropylamine (DIPA), aminoethoxyethanol(DGA), or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments of the article, the composition that generates CO₂includes a CO₂-precursor compound, or salt thereof, selected from citricacid, cis-aconitic acid, isocitric acid, oxalosuccinic acid,α-ketoglutaric acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid,oxaloacetic acid, and a combination thereof.

In some embodiments of the article, the composition that generates CO₂further includes an enzyme that catalyzes a conversion ordecarboxylation of the CO₂-precursor compound. In some embodiments, theenzyme is malate dehydrogenase, NAD-malic enzyme, or a combinationthereof. In some embodiments, the composition that generates CO₂ furtherincludes a microorganism or fraction thereof having an enzyme thatcatalyzes a conversion or decarboxylation of the CO₂-precursor compound.In some embodiments, the microorganism is a lactic acid bacterium.

In some embodiments of the article, the composition comprising at leastabout 0.1 wt./wt. % CO₂ is in a condensed phase. In some embodiments,the composition that comprises at least about 0.1 wt./wt. % CO₂ is afluid comprising CO₂. In some embodiments, the composition thatcomprises at least about 0.1 vol./vol. % CO₂ is a gas comprising CO₂. Insome embodiments, the composition comprising at least about 0.1 (wt./wt.or vol. vol.) % CO₂ comprises at least about 1.0 (wt./wt. or vol./vol.)% CO₂. In some embodiments, the composition comprising at least about0.1 (wt./wt. or vol. vol.) In some embodiments, the composition furtherincludes water.

In some embodiments of the article, the composition further includes anexcipient. In some embodiments, the excipient is selected from afungicide, antibiotic, antiviral, pesticide, growth regulator, nutrient,anti-herbivore agent, fertilizer, stomata control agent, or acombination thereof. In some embodiments, the composition furtherincludes a stomata control agent. In some embodiments, the stomatacontrol agent includes abscisic acid or a salt or precursor thereof. Insome embodiments, the composition is included within a fluid, gel, anaerosol, a solution, or a suspension. In some embodiments, the plant isa tree.

According to another aspect is an apparatus for providing a compositionthat comprises CO₂ or a composition that generates CO₂ into a plant,where the apparatus includes the following components: at least oneinfusion pump for delivering the composition that comprises CO₂ or thecomposition that generates CO₂ into the plant; at least one sensor; atleast one control unit comprising a microprocessor; at least one userinterface, operatively connected to the control unit; and at least onedata output interface operatively connected to one or more of the othercomponents.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes an extraction pumpfor extracting carbon-based photosynthate from the plant. In someembodiments, the data output interface is adapted for wirelesscommunication. In some embodiments, the data output interface is adaptedfor wired communication. In some embodiments, the data output interfaceis adapted for removal of a physical storage medium. In someembodiments, the control unit coordinates one or more of the othercomponents necessary to monitor multiple plants. In some embodiments, atleast one sensor detects suitable location and depth within the plantwhere the composition can be provided. In some embodiments, at least onesensor detects the rate at which the composition is provided into theplant or the rate at which the carbon-based photosynthate is extractedfrom the plant. In some embodiments, at least one sensor detects theamount of the composition provided into the plant or the amount of thecarbon-based photosynthate extracted from the plant. In someembodiments, the apparatus further includes at least one absorber unitor at least one regenerator unit, each operatively connected to thecontrol unit. In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes aprocessing unit for processing the carbon-based photosynthate into CO₂and energy and an conversion unit for converting some of the energy intoelectricity. In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a fuelcell. In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a containerfor storing the CO₂ produced from the processed carbon-basedphotosynthate.

In some embodiments, the rate of transpiration by the plant is reducedover the period of time. In this regard, the rate of transpiration overa period of time, as described herein, may be reduced from about 5% toabout 10%, from about 10% to about 25%, from about 25% to about 50%,from about 50% to about 90%, or a range between and including any two ofthese values, during a period of time of from about one day to about oneweek, from about one week to about one month, from about six months toabout one year, from about one year to about fifty years, or a rangebetween and including any two of these values.

In some embodiments of the apparatus, the composition includes at leastabout 0.1 (wt./wt. or vol./vol.) % CO₂ or at least about 0.1 wt./wt. %of a composition that generates CO₂.

In some embodiments of the apparatus, the composition that generates CO₂includes the reaction product of an amine, or a salt thereof, with CO₂.In some embodiments, the composition that generates CO₂ includes thereaction product of an amine, or a salt thereof, and CO₂. In someembodiments, the amine is ammonia, a primary (C₆-C₃₀) alkyl amine,piperidine, morpholine, monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA),methyldiethanolamine (MDEA), diisopropylamine (DIPA), aminoethoxyethanol(DGA), or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments of the apparatus, the composition that generates CO₂includes a CO₂-precursor compound, or salt thereof, selected from citricacid, cis-aconitic acid, isocitric acid, oxalosuccinic acid,α-ketoglutaric acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid,oxaloacetic acid, and a combination thereof.

In some embodiments of the apparatus, the composition that generates CO₂further includes an enzyme that catalyzes a conversion ordecarboxylation of the CO₂-precursor compound. In some embodiments, theenzyme is malate dehydrogenase, NAD-malic enzyme, or a combinationthereof. In some embodiments, the composition that generates CO₂ furtherincludes a microorganism or fraction thereof having an enzyme thatcatalyzes a conversion or decarboxylation of the CO₂-precursor compound.In some embodiments, the microorganism is a lactic acid bacterium.

Methods and Articles for Sequestering CO₂

According to one aspect, a method is provided for sequestering CO₂comprising providing a plant with a composition that is at least one ofa composition comprising at least about 0.1 (wt./wt. or vol./vol.) % CO₂or at least about 0.1 wt./wt. % of a composition that generates CO₂;removing carbon-based photosynthate from the plant; and storing orprocessing the carbon-based photosynthate.

In some embodiments, the method further includes sequestering at least aportion of the carbon-based photosynthate in a non-oxidativeenvironment. In some embodiments, the method further includes monitoringthe amount of water removed from soil by a plant. In some embodiments,the method further includes adjusting the amount of the composition thatis provided to the plant or the amount of carbon-based photosynthatethat is removed from the plant. In some embodiments, the rate oftranspiration by the plant is reduced over the period of time. In someembodiments, the composition that generates CO₂ includes the reactionproduct of an amine, or a salt thereof, and CO₂.

In some embodiments of the method, the composition that generates CO₂includes the reaction product of an amine, or a salt thereof, and CO₂.In some embodiments, the amine is ammonia, a primary (C₆-C₃₀) alkylamine, piperidine, morpholine, monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine(DEA), methyldiethanolamine (MDEA), diisopropylamine (DIPA),aminoethoxyethanol (DGA), or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments of the method, the composition that generates CO₂comprises a CO₂-precursor compound, or salt thereof, selected fromcitric acid, cis-aconitic acid, isocitric acid, oxalosuccinic acid,α-ketoglutaric acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid,oxaloacetic acid, and a combination thereof.

In some embodiments of the method, the composition that generates CO₂further includes an enzyme that catalyzes a conversion ordecarboxylation of the CO₂-precursor compound. In some embodiments, theenzyme is malate dehydrogenase, NAD-malic enzyme, or a combinationthereof. In some embodiments, the composition that generates CO₂ furtherincludes a microorganism or fraction thereof having an enzyme thatcatalyzes a conversion or decarboxylation of the CO₂-precursor compound.In some embodiments, the microorganism is a lactic acid bacterium.

In some embodiments, the composition includes at least about 0.1 wt./wt.% CO₂ is in a condensed phase. In some embodiments, the composition thatincludes at least about 0.1 wt./wt. % CO₂ is a fluid comprising CO₂. Insome embodiments, the composition that includes at least about 0.1vol./vol. % CO₂ is a gas comprising CO₂. In some embodiments, thecomposition including at least about 0.1 (wt./wt. or vol. vol.) % CO₂includes at least about 1.0 (wt./wt. or vol./vol.) % CO₂. In someembodiments, the composition including at least about 0.1 (wt./wt. orvol. vol.) % CO₂ includes at least about 10.0 (wt./wt. Or vol./vol.) %CO₂.

In some embodiments, the composition further includes water. In someembodiments, the method further includes monitoring the amount of watertranspired from a plant. In some embodiments, the composition furtherincludes an excipient. In some embodiments, the excipient is selectedfrom a fungicide, antibiotic, antiviral, pesticide, growth regulator,nutrient, anti-herbivore agent, fertilizer, stomata control agent and acombination thereof. In some embodiments, the composition is a fluid,gel, or a suspension.

In some embodiments, the composition is provided into the vasculaturesystem of the plant or to the immediate proximity thereof. In someembodiments, the composition is provided into the phloem or xylem of theplant or to the immediate proximity thereof. In some embodiments, thecomposition is provided to the plant by injecting the composition intothe plant. In some embodiments, the composition is provided to a leaf orroot of the plant or to the immediate proximity thereof. In someembodiments, some of the cells of the native vascular system of the treehave been removed and replaced with a functional substitute.

In some embodiments, the carbon-based photosynthate is extracted fromthe phloem or xylem of the plant or from the immediate proximitythereof. In some embodiments, the carbon-based photosynthate includes acarbohydrate.

In some embodiments, the method further includes increasing the quantityof the carbon-based photosynthate that is produced by the plant duringan interval of time. In some embodiments, the interval of time is atleast one week and the quantity is increased by at least 10%. In otherembodiments, the method further includes monitoring the quantity of thecarbon-based photosynthate that is produced by a plant during aninterval of time. In some embodiments, the method further includescorrelating the quantity of the carbon-based photosynthate that isproduced by a plant with the amount of composition provided to theplant.

In some embodiments, the method further includes increasing the rate oftranslocation by a plant during an interval of time. In someembodiments, the interval of time is at least one week and the rate oftranslocation is increased by at least 10%.

In some embodiments, the method further includes reducing the rate ofabsorption of atmospheric CO₂ by the plant during an interval of time.In some embodiments, the interval of time is at least one week and therate of absorption of atmospheric CO₂ is decreased by at least 10%.

In some embodiments, the carbon-based photosynthate includes carbonderived in part from the composition. In some embodiments, the method isat least partially automated. In some embodiments, the composition isprovided under positive pressure up to about 1,000 pounds per squareinch (7 MPa).

In some embodiments, the stored carbon-based photosynthate issubstantially prevented from contacting oxygen. In some embodiments, thestored carbon-based photosynthate is substantially prevented from beingoxidized. In some embodiments, the carbon-based photosynthate is storedin a container or compartment. In some embodiments, the carbon-basedphotosynthate is stored in a flexible container, such as a plastic bag.In some embodiments, the carbon-based photosynthate is stored in a drum.In some embodiments, the carbon-based photosynthate is storedunderground. In some embodiments, the carbon-based photosynthate isburied.

In some embodiments, the plant is a wild-type plant or is a domesticatedplant. In some embodiments, the plant has been genetically engineered.In some embodiments, the plant has been bred or genetically engineeredto consume a reduced amount of soil-derived water over an interval oftime relative to a corresponding wild-type plant. In some embodiments,the plant has been bred or genetically engineered to produce a greaterquantity of carbon-based photosynthate over an interval of time relativeto a corresponding wild-type plant. In some embodiments, the plant hasbeen bred or genetically engineered to have fewer stomata relative tothe wild-type plant. In some embodiments, the plant is grown on a farm,orchard, or in a forest. In some embodiments, the plant is a tree. Insome embodiments, the tree is a hardwood selected from an alder, ash,aspen, balsa, beech, birch, cherry, chestnut, cottonwood, dogwood, elm,eucalyptus, gum, hickory, mahogany, maple, oak, poplar, walnut, andwillow. In some embodiments, the tree is a softwood selected from acedar, cypress, fir, yew, hemlock, pine, and spruce.

Methods and Articles for Generating Electricity and Producing Materials

According to one aspect, a method is provided for producing electricitycomprising: providing a composition, that is at least one of acomposition comprising at least about 0.1 (wt./wt. or vol./vol.) % CO₂or at least about 0.1 wt./wt. % of a composition that generates CO₂, toa plant; removing a carbon-based photosynthate from the plant;processing at least a fraction of the carbon-based photosynthate toproduce energy and a product stream; and converting at least some of theenergy into electricity. In some embodiments, the method furtherincludes capturing at least a portion of the CO₂ produced uponprocessing (e.g., combustion) and providing the captured CO₂ into one ormore plants.

During the process of photosynthesis, plants such as trees, fix CO₂ intocarbon-based photosynthate (e.g., sugars, lipids, proteins, primary orsecondary metabolites). This reductive process stores, as carbon-basedphotosynthate, many megawatts of chemical energy per km². Thecompositions and methods described herein can be used to optimizeproduction and facilitate harvesting of the carbon-based photosynthate.Once harvested, the carbon-based photosynthate can be oxidized, e.g.,via combustion or within a fuel cell (e.g., SOFC), to recover at leastsome of the energy stored therein. In some embodiments, the carbon-basedphotosynthate that is extracted from the plant can be added to fuelcells to efficiently convert the extracted components into energy. Insome embodiments, the fuel cells include glucose oxidase. Alternatively,the carbon-based photosynthate that is extracted from the plant can beused as a feedstock to prepare any conceivable carbon-based food orbeverage, or as a feedstock to manufacture any conceivable carbon-basedspecialty material or fuel.

In some embodiments, the carbon-based photosynthate, from whichelectricity or materials are generated, can be extracted from the plantat any time during the year. One of the advantages of the methods ofusing CO₂ or a composition that generates CO₂ is that plants, such astrees, can be harvested of photosynthate at any time during the year.Harvest need not be constrained to a particular growing season. Forexample, the methods described herein can be used to minimize the amountof carbon-based photosynthate that is oxidized by the tree as a resultof autophagic flux. Autophagic flux is a catabolic process involving thedegradation of a cell's or an organism's own components. For example,some plants cannibalize their own carbon-based photosynthate, storedwithin leaves, before such leaves are shed from the plant in autumn.

The compositions and methods described herein can be used to continuallystimulate plants, by the addition of CO₂ or composition that generatesCO₂, to produce carbon-based photosynthate that, in turn, can beharvested year-round, rather than being catabolized by the tree as aresult of autophagic flux. Further, the added CO₂ or composition thatgenerates CO₂, can be supplemented with one or more excipients thatmodulate plant growth (e.g., antivirals or any agent to accelerate orretard root growth).

The harvest of carbon-based photosynthate from the plant may optionallyinclude extracting or refining steps to concentrate the carbon-basedphotosynthate of interest from the remaining solution which issubstantially free of carbon-based photosynthate. The remaining solutionwhich is substantially free of carbon-based photosynthate can optionallybe added back to the plant.

In some embodiments, the volume or mass of carbon-based photosynthatethat are extracted from the plant or from a number of plants within anarea can be tabulated and, optionally, monitored to obtain carboncredits, in exchange for the amount of CO₂ that is provided into plants,such as trees, where one carbon credit is equal to one metric ton ofcarbon dioxide. “Carbon credit” is a generic term for any tradablecertificate or permit representing the right to emit one ton of carbondioxide or the mass of another greenhouse gas with a carbon dioxideequivalent (tCO₂e) equivalent to one ton of carbon dioxide.

In some embodiments, the method further includes correlating the amountof electricity produced with the amount of the compound provided to theplant. In some embodiments, the method includes using a fuel cell toprocess at least a fraction of the carbon-based photosynthate to produceelectrical energy and a product stream. In some embodiments, the methodincludes using combustion to process at least a fraction of thecarbon-based photosynthate to produce thermal energy and a productstream. In some embodiments, the method further includes providing atlast a fraction of the product stream to the plant. In some embodiments,providing at last a fraction of the product stream to the plant includesprocessing at least a portion of the product stream into thecomposition. In some embodiments, the method further includes monitoringthe amount of water removed from soil by a plant. In some embodiments,the method further includes adjusting the amount of the composition thatis provided to the plant or the amount of carbon-based photosynthatethat is removed from the plant. In some embodiments, the rate oftranspiration by the plant is reduced over a period of time.

In some embodiments, the composition comprising at least about 0.1wt./wt. % CO₂ is in a condensed phase (e.g., under >1 atmosphere ofpressure or dissolved in a fluid). In some embodiments, the compositionthat includes at least about 0.1 wt./wt. % CO₂ is a fluid comprisingCO₂. In some embodiments, the composition that includes at least about0.1 vol./vol. % CO₂ is a gas comprising CO₂. In some embodiments, thecomposition comprising at least about 0.1 (wt./wt. or vol. vol.) % CO₂includes at least about 1.0 (wt./wt. or vol./vol.) % CO₂. In someembodiments, the composition comprising at least about 0.1 (wt./wt. orvol. vol.) % CO₂ includes at least about 10.0 (wt./wt. or vol./vol.) %CO₂.

In some embodiments of the method, the composition that generates CO₂includes the reaction product of an amine, or a salt thereof, and CO₂.In some embodiments, the amine is ammonia, a primary (C₆-C₃₀) alkylamine, piperidine, morpholine, monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine(DEA), methyldiethanolamine (MDEA), diisopropylamine (DIPA),aminoethoxyethanol (DGA), or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments of the method, the composition that generates CO₂includes a CO₂-precursor compound, or salt thereof, selected from citricacid, cis-aconitic acid, isocitric acid, oxalosuccinic acid,α-ketoglutaric acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid,oxaloacetic acid, and a combination thereof.

In some embodiments of the method, the composition that generates CO₂further includes an enzyme that catalyzes a conversion ordecarboxylation of the CO₂-precursor compound. In some embodiments, theenzyme is malate dehydrogenase, NAD-malic enzyme, or a combinationthereof. In some embodiments, the composition that generates CO₂ furtherincludes a microorganism or fraction thereof having an enzyme thatcatalyzes a conversion or decarboxylation of the CO₂-precursor compound.In some embodiments, the microorganism is a lactic acid bacterium.

In some embodiments, the composition that generates CO₂ further includesan enzyme that catalyzes a conversion or a decarboxylation of theCO₂-precursor compound. In some embodiments, the enzyme is malatedehydrogenase, NAD-malic enzyme, or a combination thereof. In someembodiments, the composition that generates CO₂ further includes amicroorganism or fraction thereof having an enzyme that catalyzes aconversion or a decarboxylation of the CO₂-precursor compound. In someembodiments, the microorganism is a lactic acid bacterium.

In some embodiments, the composition further includes water. In someembodiments, the method further includes monitoring the amount of watertranspired from a plant. In some embodiments, the composition furtherincludes an excipient. In some embodiments, the excipient is selectedfrom a fungicide, antibiotic, antiviral, pesticide, growth regulator,nutrient, anti-herbivore agent, fertilizer, stomata control agent and acombination thereof. In some embodiments, the composition is a fluid,gel, or a suspension.

In some embodiments, the composition is provided into the vasculaturesystem of the plant or to the immediate proximity thereof. In someembodiments, the composition is provided into the phloem or xylem of theplant or to the immediate proximity thereof. In some embodiments, thecomposition is provided to the plant by injecting the composition intothe plant. In some embodiments, the composition is provided to a leaf orroot of the plant or to the immediate proximity thereof. In someembodiments, some of the cells of the native vascular system of the treehave been removed and replaced with a functional substitute.

In some embodiments, the carbon-based photosynthate is extracted fromthe phloem or xylem of the plant or from the immediate proximitythereof. In some embodiments, the carbon-based photosynthate includes acarbohydrate.

In some embodiments, the method further includes increasing the quantityof the carbon-based photosynthate that is produced by the plant duringan interval of time. In some embodiments, the interval of time is atleast one week and the quantity is increased by at least 10%. In otherembodiments, the method further includes monitoring the quantity of thecarbon-based photosynthate that is produced by a plant during aninterval of time. In some embodiments, the method further includescorrelating the quantity of the carbon-based photosynthate that isproduced by a plant with the amount of composition provided to theplant.

In some embodiments, the method further includes increasing the rate oftranslocation by a plant during an interval of time. In someembodiments, the interval of time is at least one week and the rate oftranslocation is increased by at least 10%.

In some embodiments, the method further includes reducing the rate ofabsorption of atmospheric CO₂ by the plant during an interval of time.In some embodiments, the interval of time is at least one week and therate of absorption of atmospheric CO₂ is decreased by at least 10%.

In some embodiments, the carbon-based photosynthate includes carbonderived in part from the composition. In some embodiments, the method isat least partially automated. In some embodiments, the composition isprovided under positive pressure up to about 1,000 pounds per squareinch (7 MPa).

In some embodiments, the plant is a wild-type plant or is a domesticatedplant. In some embodiments, the plant has been genetically engineered.In some embodiments, the plant has been bred or genetically engineeredto consume a reduced amount of soil-derived water over an interval oftime relative to a corresponding wild-type plant. In some embodiments,the plant has been bred or genetically engineered to produce a greaterquantity of carbon-based photosynthate over an interval of time relativeto a corresponding wild-type plant. In some embodiments, the plant hasbeen bred or genetically engineered to have fewer stomata relative tothe wild-type plant.

In some embodiments, the plant is grown on a farm, orchard, or in aforest. In some embodiments, the plant is a tree. In some embodiments,the tree is a hardwood selected from an alder, ash, aspen, balsa, beech,birch, cherry, chestnut, cottonwood, dogwood, elm, eucalyptus, gum,hickory, mahogany, maple, oak, poplar, walnut, and willow. In someembodiments, the tree is a softwood selected from a cedar, cypress, fir,yew, hemlock, pine, and spruce.

According to an additional aspect, the present technology provides anarticle including a composition including CO₂ and/or a composition thatgenerates CO₂; and an apparatus for providing the composition into oneor more plants; a carbon-based photosynthate that is produced by the oneor more plants; and an apparatus for extracting the carbon-basedphotosynthate; and an apparatus for converting the carbon-basedphotosynthate into CO₂, for example, and heat; and an apparatus forconverting some of the heat of combustion into electricity (e.g., solidoxide fuel cell (SOFC) or heat engine). In some embodiments, theapparatus converts the carbon-based photosynthate into CO₂ viacombustion. In some embodiments, the apparatus converts the carbon-basedphotosynthate into CO₂ via a fuel cell, such as a SOFC.

In some embodiments, the article further includes an apparatus forcontaining or recirculating the CO₂ produced by the combustion of thecarbon-based photosynthate. In some embodiments, the article furtherincludes an apparatus for providing the contained CO₂ into one or moreplants.

All publications, patent applications, issued patents, and otherdocuments referred to in this specification are herein incorporated byreference as if each individual publication, patent application, issuedpatent, or other document was specifically and individually indicated tobe incorporated by reference in its entirety. Definitions that arecontained in text incorporated by reference are excluded to the extentthat they contradict definitions in this disclosure.

The present technology, thus generally described, will be understoodmore readily by reference to the following Examples, which are providedby way of illustration and are not intended to be limiting of thepresent technology.

EXAMPLES Example 1: Measuring the Rate of Transpiration of Trees

Six potted trees A, B, C, D, E and F of approximately the same heightand weight and having approximately the same number of leaves are grownin a fixed quantity of soil having the same approximate composition. Thetops of the pots are sealed with plastic around the base of each tree tominimize the evaporation of water from the soil. The potted trees areset on scales and watered in the evening at identical times withidentical quantities of water. The weight of each potted tree arecontinuously monitored for one week to determine how much watertranspires from each tree, per hour, during the day. During the secondweek, trees A-F are continually watered as during the first week.Additionally, during the second week, the xylem of trees A-E is providedwith water or an aqueous composition as follows: The xylem of tree A isprovided with an aqueous composition including CO₂ gas. The xylem oftree B is provided with an aqueous composition of malic acid, aCO₂-precursor compound. The xylem of tree C is provided with an aqueouscomposition of malic acid, malate dehydrogenase, and NAD-malic enzyme.The xylem of tree D is provided with an aqueous composition ofdiethanolamine/CO₂. The xylem of tree E is provided with water. Thexylem of tree F is not provided with water or any of the above-describedcompositions.

After two weeks, the weight loss attributable to transpiration (inkilograms of water per hour) for each tree A-F is compared. It iscontemplated that during the second week the water-based weight loss forsome or all of trees A-D will be reduced relative to trees E and F.

Thus, the injection of a composition including CO₂ or a CO₂-precursorcompound is contemplated to decrease the rate of transpiration and thusreduce the mass of water lost by trees A-D relative to control trees Eand F.

Example 2: The Incorporation of ¹³Carbon into Tree Sap by Providing intoTrees a Composition Including ¹³CO₂ or a Composition that Generates¹³CO₂

Six potted trees, A-F, as described in Example 1, are watered for oneweek. During the second week, trees A-F are continually watered asduring the first week. Additionally, during the second week, the xylemof trees A-E is provided with water or an aqueous composition asfollows: The xylem of tree A is provided with an aqueous compositionincluding ¹³CO₂ gas. The xylem of tree B is provided with an aqueouscomposition of ¹³C-malic acid, a ¹³CO₂-precursor compound. The xylem oftree C is provided with an aqueous composition of ¹³C-malic acid, malatedehydrogenase, and NAD-malic enzyme. The xylem of tree D is providedwith an aqueous composition of diethanolamine/¹³CO₂. The xylem of tree Eis provided with water. The xylem of tree F is not provided with wateror any of the above-described compositions.

During the second week, one gram of sap per day is collected from eachof trees A-F by placing a tap into the phloem of each tree. Liquidchromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS) and ¹³C-nuclear magneticresonance (NMR) spectroscopy can be used to determine whether anincreased quantity of ¹³C incorporates into the carbohydrate componentsof sap obtained from trees A-D relative to the control trees E and F.

Example 3: The Sequestration of Tree Sap Having ¹³C-EnrichedCarbohydrates from the Injection of a Composition Including ¹³CO₂ or aComposition that Generates ¹³CO₂ into Trees

The procedure of Example 2 is continued until ten grams of sap iscollected from each of trees A-F. Each sap sample is then sealed in aplastic (polyethylene) bag. During subsequent months and years, LCMS and¹³C-NMR analysis can be used to confirm that the concentration ofcarbohydrate components and the levels of incorporation of ¹³C into thecarbohydrate components remain constant. Thus, ¹³CO₂ from a compositionincluding ¹³CO₂ or a composition that generates ¹³CO₂ can be sequesteredafter being provided into trees, converted to sap, collected and storedto exclude oxygen.

EQUIVALENTS

The embodiments, illustratively described herein may suitably bepracticed in the absence of any element or elements, limitation orlimitations, not specifically disclosed herein. Thus, for example, theterms ‘comprising,’ ‘including,’ ‘containing,’ etc. shall be readexpansively and without limitation. Additionally, the terms andexpressions employed herein have been used as terms of description andnot of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such termsand expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown anddescribed or portions thereof, but it is recognized that variousmodifications are possible within the scope of the claimed technology.Additionally, the phrase ‘consisting essentially of’ will be understoodto include those elements specifically recited and those additionalelements that do not materially affect the basic and novelcharacteristics of the claimed technology. The phrase ‘consisting of’excludes any element not specified.

The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particularembodiments described in this application, which are intended asillustrations of various aspects. Many modifications and variations canbe made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparentto those skilled in the art. Functionally equivalent compositions,apparatuses, and methods within the scope of the disclosure, in additionto those enumerated herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the artfrom the foregoing descriptions. Such modifications and variations areintended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. The presentdisclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims,along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims areentitled. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited toparticular methods, reagents, compounds compositions or biologicalsystems, which can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood thatthe terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting.

In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are describedin terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize thatthe disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individualmember or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and allpurposes, particularly in terms of providing a written description, allranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible subrangesand combinations of subranges thereof. Any listed range can be easilyrecognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range beingbroken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths,tenths, etc. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein canbe readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third,etc. As will also be understood by one skilled in the art all languagesuch as ‘up to,’ ‘at least,’ ‘greater than,’ ‘less than,’ and the like,include the number recited and refer to ranges which can be subsequentlybroken down into subranges as discussed above. Finally, as will beunderstood by one skilled in the art, a range includes each individualmember.

While certain embodiments have been illustrated and described, it shouldbe understood that changes and modifications can be made therein inaccordance with ordinary skill in the art without departing from thetechnology in its broader aspects as defined in the following claims.

What is claimed:
 1. A method for increasing carbon-based photosynthateproduction in a plant, wherein the plant is a tree, the methodcomprising: contacting an aqueous amine solution with CO₂ to form acomposition, wherein the composition comprises at least about 0.1wt./wt. % CO₂, and wherein at least about 0.1 wt./wt. % of thecomposition comprises a CO₂-generating composition, wherein theCO₂-generating composition is a reaction product of an amine, or a saltthereof, and CO₂, wherein the amine comprises ammonia, a primary(C₆-C₃₀) alkyl amine, piperidine, morpholine, monoethanolamine (MEA),diethanolamine (DEA), methyldiethanolamine (MDEA), diisopropylamine(DTPA), aminoethoxyethanol (DGA), or a combination of any two or morethereof; providing the composition to the tree, wherein the compositionis provided to the tree by injecting the composition into the vascularsystem of the tree; recovering the amine solution from the tree;re-contacting the amine solution with additional CO₂ to form aregenerated CO₂-generating composition; providing the regeneratedCO₂-generating composition to the tree, wherein the regeneratedCO₂-generating composition is provided to the tree by injecting theregenerated CO₂-generating composition into the vascular system of thetree; growing the tree under conditions which allow the tree to producea carbon-based photosynthate product incorporating carbon derived inpart from the CO₂ generated by the CO₂-generating composition comprisingthe reaction product of an amine and CO₂, thereby increasingcarbon-based photosynthate production in the tree relative to a controltree; and extracting the carbon-based photosynthate from the tree;wherein the tree is operatively connected to an apparatus for providingthe composition to the tree, wherein the apparatus comprises: (a) atleast one infusion pump for providing the composition by injection intothe tree; (b) at least one sensor for obtaining data related to theplant, the data comprising any one or more of the concentration of thecomposition, atmospheric temperature, plant temperature, humidity, plantmoisture level, wind speed, sunlight level, the amount of water providedto the plant, the transpiration rate of the plant, guard cellmorphology, the rate of injection of the composition, or the rate ofextraction of the carbon-based photosynthate from the tree; (c) at leastone control unit comprising a microprocessor electrically connected tothe infusion pump and the sensor; (d) at least one user interface,operatively connected to the control unit; (e) at least one absorberunit for increasing the rate and/or efficiency by which the aqueousamine solution absorbs CO₂, wherein the absorber unit is operativelyconnected to the control unit; (f) at least one regenerator unitoperatively connected to the control unit; and (g) at least one dataoutput interface operatively connected to one or more components(a)-(f).
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprisesmonitoring the amount of water removed from soil by the tree.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises monitoring theamount of water transpired from the tree.
 4. The method of claim 2,wherein the method further comprises adjusting the amount of thecomposition that is provided to the tree or the amount of carbon-basedphotosynthate that is extracted from the tree based on the amount ofwater removed from the soil by the tree.
 5. The method of claim 1,wherein the composition comprises at least about 1.0 (wt./wt.) % CO₂. 6.The method of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises at least about10.0 (wt./wt.) % CO₂.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the compositionfurther comprises water.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein thecomposition provided to the tree further comprises an agent selectedfrom a fungicide, antibiotic, antiviral, pesticide, growth regulator,nutrient, anti-herbivore agent, fertilizer, stomata control agent, or acombination of any two or more thereof.
 9. The method of claim 1,wherein the composition is a fluid, gel, solution, aerosol, or asuspension.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the carbon-basedphotosynthate comprises a carbohydrate.
 11. The method of claim 1,further comprising reducing the rate of absorption of atmospheric CO₂ bythe tree during an interval of time.
 12. The method of claim 1, whereinthe method further comprises monitoring the quantity of the carbon-basedphotosynthate that is produced by the tree during an interval of time.13. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is at least partiallyautomated.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the tree is a wild-typetree or is a domesticated tree.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein thetree has been bred or genetically engineered to: consume a reducedamount of soil-derived water over an interval of time relative to acorresponding wild-type tree; produce a greater quantity of carbon-basedphotosynthate over an interval of time relative to a correspondingwild-type tree; or have fewer stomata relative to the wild-type tree.16. The method of claim 1, wherein the tree is grown on a farm, orchard,or in a forest.